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Left To My Own Vices




Because I am admittedly too timid to respond to the person who has set me off about this today, I'm going to vent here on my blog. Consider it a public response to a private wounding.

Apologies in advance.

Dear well-meaning people: I know that I am overweight. Believe me, no one knows this better than I. It's been a struggle since the sixth grade (so, for the past quarter-century). I've successfully dieted a few times in my life, losing a combined weight of over 100 pounds. I've been a gym member twice and, yes, have utilized its services. Unfortunately, unlike the rest of you, I am not perfect. While I drink very little alcohol, and don't smoke and don't partake of drugs, I do enjoy food. Bad food, and too much of it.

So it goes.

As good-intentioned and well-meaning as you may be, I do not need you to suggest a dietary program for me. I do not need you to say things like, "I just want you to be around for a long time," as though any second could be my last on this earth. You're not really helping. In fact, you are actually making me feel even more insecure.

Because weight is a particularly obvious issue, you can see my problem with ease. But this does not mean that yours are non-existent. We all have our crosses to bear. None of us are perfect. If you would like, I could offer unsolicited advice about how to better your life.

Or we could simply agree not be each other's Dr. Phil. That's probably for the best.

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Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 20, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Amen to that!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MatthewJuly 20, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    Thanks! I feel ya.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DiddyJuly 20, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    I hear ya. I honestly don't think gym memberships are that beneficial - they are costly, though...esp. over time AND if unused. I hate throwing money away to companies like that. If you want to integrate physical activity/exercise into your daily/weekly routine...you have to find something YOU enjoy and like to do. Forcing yourself to do shit just ain't gonna work in the long run.

    Sure - people can help motivate you to an extent, but ultimately...just like every other vice/addiction/whatever...YOU are the one driving the boat and only YOU can determine its course. Ya dig?

    PS I love you no matter what...always have always will, and I think you are a handsome display of man chowder. :)

    ReplyDelete

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